Holi 2025 in Pakistan: There is a ruckus about Holi in Pakistan. A leading private university located in Karachi city of Sindh province has issued a show cause notice to Hindu students for celebrating the festival of Holi on its campus. The university is facing criticism for this. The Dawood University of Engineering and Technology administration alleged that these students raised anti-state slogans during their celebration. A nationwide debate has erupted on social media platforms regarding the action against the students.
Former MP Lal Malhi posted on social media a notice issued by Dawood University of Engineering and Technology to students, most of whom were Hindus. After the controversy escalated, the institute claimed that it was an old case. It rejected reports of an FIR being filed against the students.
"The notice was issued to the students for organising the event on campus without taking permission from the administration, which is a violation of university rules," an official said. "The students have already responded to the notice," he added.
Lal Malhi expressed concern over the growing protests against the religious practices of minorities in Pakistan and asked, "Has celebrating Holi now become a crime? Is celebrating Holi in the university considered an act against the country?"
Several media reports have claimed that several FIRs have been registered against the students. After that, a nationwide debate has also erupted on social media platforms. Former National Assembly member Lal Malhi raised questions on the university's action. Malhi has openly criticized the university's action. His statement impressed many netizens. He then expressed concern over the increasing criminalization of minority religious practices in Pakistan.
The viral video of Holi celebrations on the university campus and the show cause notice issued by the administration have fuelled the debate. Critics argue that these allegations highlight the growing marginalisation of religious minorities facing persecution in Pakistan. Despite being a small percentage of Pakistan's population, the Hindu community has long been a victim of neglect and social exclusion.
Hindus in Pakistan's rural areas are most affected by poverty and lack of basic health care. In cities, they face limited employment opportunities and social discrimination. The country's legal framework offers little protection to minorities.
Forced conversions and violence against Hindus are common in Pakistan. On a related note, in December 2024 Rajendra Meghwar became the first Hindu police officer in Pakistan in the Police Service of Pakistan (PSP).
Dawood University Karachi has issued a show-cause notice to some of its students for celebrating the Hindu festival of Holi without taking prior permission #holi #hindustudent #university #pakistan #dawooduni pic.twitter.com/3lxXUHoxpI
– Dileep Kumar Khatri
